Charlene (song)
Charlene is an R&B–soul ballad by American singer Anthony Hamilton from his 2003 album Comin' from Where I'm From. It was released on August 3, 2004 as the second single from the album and was produced and co-written by Mark Batson.
The song earned Hamilton a Grammy nod for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards, though he did not win. It was later sampled by rapper Murs in 2008.
Chart performance was strong. Charlene appeared on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart, reaching No. 1 in May 2004. It then climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and stayed on the chart for many weeks. On the Billboard Hot 100, it peaked at No. 19 after an initial entry at No. 72. Charlene remains Hamilton’s most successful single to date.
Critics praised the album and Hamilton’s distinctive, soulful voice. BBC writer Daryl Easlea highlighted his mature, emotional delivery and called him a connoisseur’s choice among sensitive male singer-songwriters of the era.
The music video follows Hamilton coming home late to Charlene, showing the strain of his touring life, memories of happier days, and ends with Charlene discovering her unborn baby’s ultrasound.
Charlene helped raise Hamilton’s profile, earning multiple award nominations and affirming his place as a notable voice in contemporary R&B.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 10:16 (CET).